Julio Rodríguez has developed a knack for throwing baseballs at inappropriate times over the past week. He did it once against the Milwaukee Brewers and then again against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. Both times, Rodríguez threw without thinking about the consequences. The last time, it cost the team runs, and this time, his teammate paid the price.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
José Ferrer was ready to throw the first pitch of the sixth inning when the umpire called for a pitch clock violation. With the Mariners already trailing 6-2, Ferrer had to begin the at-bat at a disadvantage against Pedro Ramirez. Before he could even throw a single pitch on Sunday, the count was already 1-0.
“Mariners got called for a pitch clock violation because Julio Rodriguez was throwing a baseball into the crowd as the at-bat started,” Jomboy Media wrote on X.
According to MLB’s pitch clock rules, a pitcher must begin their windup or delivery within 15 seconds with the bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on. If a pitcher is unable to throw within that window, a violation is issued against them. Violating the clock means an automatic ball for pitchers.
On Sunday, Jose Ferrer followed every rule, yet he had to bear the consequences of Rodriguez’s carelessness. A pitch timer starts as soon as the pitcher receives the ball from the catcher. If a teammate’s action delays the pitcher from starting his motion, the umpire gives an automatic ball. Rodriguez throwing balls into the stands did exactly that.
Julio Rodriguez’s habit of throwing balls into the stands has cost the team more than once now. During the devastating 22-0 loss against the Milwaukee Brewers, Rodriguez made a routine catch on a Christian Yelich popup in center field. Then, thinking the inning was over, he tossed the baseball into the stands. However, it was only the second out of the inning, and Milwaukee had two runners on base. The blunder added two more runs to the Brewers’ already towering lead.
The Mariners had already secured the series against the Cubs before Sunday. They entered the game aiming for a sweep but were handed a crushing 19-2 defeat. In the sixth inning, the Mariners were already trailing 6-2 when Ferrer was given a pitch clock violation. The call, however, did not sit well with manager Dan Wilson, as he came down to speak with the home plate umpire. Before the argument between the manager and the umpire escalated, bench coach Manny Acta intervened. He dragged Wilson back to the dugout.
With the count already in his favor, Ramirez singled to set off the inning. The Cubs’ second baseman ended up scoring later in the inning on an RBI single from Pete Crow-Armstrong. The hit extended the Cubs’ lead to 7-2. On Sunday, Ramirez went 3-for-6 and drove in 5 RBIs. He also recorded a grand slam in the nine-run eighth inning.
The Mariners’ bad week continued with crushing losses on Sunday. They are now short of a utility man for at least the next 7-days.
Mariners place Brendan Donovan on concussion list
The Seattle Mariners first scratched Brendan Donovan from the lineup before Saturday’s 5-4 win over the Cubs. Before the series finale on Sunday, manager Dan Wilson revealed that a baseball hit Donovan on the head while he was taking swings inside the batting cages. Donovan was placed on the 7-day concussion list following MLB’s protocol for head injuries.
“It was just one of those situations that’s unfortunate,” Wilson said, per AP. “But he will be back, hopefully, as soon as possible.”
Donovan’s time with the Mariners this season has been plagued by multiple injuries. He was recently reinstated on August 4 after missing playing time since May 18 due to a left groin muscle strain. At the time, he was placed on a 10-day IL. The same injury had kept him out of the lineup from April 18 to May 7 as well.
The Mariners acquired Donovan in February from the St. Louis Cardinals via a three-team trade that also included the Tampa Bay Rays. Donovan has played only 39 games this season. He is batting .277 with 3 home runs, 15 RBIs, and a .780 OPS in 159 plate appearances.
The Mariners have recalled utilityman Patrick Wisdom from Triple-A Tacoma to replace Donovan on the roster.